Paul Pogba Confirms Manchester City Transfer Offer Before Juventus Return
- Paul Pogba Confirms Manchester City Transfer Offer Before Juventus Return
Paul Pogba has revealed that Manchester City approached him with a transfer offer in 2022 before he opted to return to Juventus. In recent interviews with media outlets such as Sky Sports, ESPN, and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba confirmed that he had the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola’s side but ultimately declined.
“Yes, I turned down Pep Guardiola’s approach to accept Juventus’ proposal. That story is true,” Pogba stated. Reports indicate that the French midfielder had agreed on personal terms with Manchester City. However, he pulled out of the move due to concerns about potential backlash from Manchester United fans, given the heated rivalry between the two clubs.
The decision to return to Juventus came during a turbulent period in Pogba’s career. Reflecting on his time at United, Pogba admitted that he had wanted to leave the club earlier. In an interview with The Daily Mail, he shared that after Jose Mourinho’s exit and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival, he experienced his best season with the Red Devils. However, after the final game of that campaign, Pogba informed Solskjaer and then-executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that he was ready to leave.
“I was 27 then, and I didn’t see the club progressing. Manchester City and Liverpool were ahead of us and improving,” Pogba explained. While Solskjaer initially agreed to discuss a transfer with Woodward, United ultimately blocked the move, forcing Pogba to stay despite his lack of motivation. “Mentally, I wasn’t there, but I stayed professional. I tried to push for a move, but Ed blocked it. I didn’t want to play for United anymore, but I kept working,” he added.
Pogba’s recent admission about the City offer sheds light on a missed opportunity that could have altered his career path. His second stint at Juventus has also been filled with challenges, including injuries and a doping suspension. The ex-France international’s ban was recently reduced to 18 months, allowing him to return to action in March 2025. However, his future at Juventus remains uncertain, with the club reportedly eager to offload him.
Amid ongoing speculation, Pogba has been linked with moves to Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League. While Juventus might prefer to part ways with him, Pogba is said to be hopeful of staying at the club.
The 31-year-old’s current predicament reflects the unpredictable turns in his career since leaving United. After rejoining Juventus on a free transfer, Pogba has struggled with injuries and form, leading to speculation about whether the Italian club will terminate his contract. Football insider Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Juventus may pursue this option, depending on developments over the coming months.
Despite these uncertainties, Pogba seems focused on a comeback, hoping to revive his career once his ban ends. Whether he will remain at Juventus or pursue new challenges in the MLS, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere remains to be seen.
This revelation about the City offer adds a new layer to Pogba’s complex football journey, showing how close he came to joining United’s biggest rivals and reflecting the difficult decisions he has faced along the way.
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